Global Parks That Offer Unique Vistas, Calm Refuges for Green Explorers
Bigger Is Better
Balboa Park
San Diego
This California park is bigger than New York's Central Park and Chicago's Millennium Park combined. It is home to 65 miles of trails, six museums and the San Diego Zoo on 1,200 acres of land. Visitors can climb 125 steps to the top of the California Tower to get a unique view of the city. Tickets are required to visit some attractions.
Treasure From Tragedy
Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park
Winnipeg, Manitoba
In 1983, a fire destroyed the abandoned former home of 50 monks from the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. The provincial government stepped in to save what was left, turning the area into a park that now contains the St. Norbert Arts Centre, gardens, a greenhouse and the World Peace Pagoda. Monastery structures are now home to annual Shakespeare in the Ruins performances.
Urban Oasis
The High Line
New York City
On the west side of Manhattan is a combination elevated linear park, greenway and trail created from a disused spur of the New York Central Railroad. It runs 1.45 miles from the Hudson Yards development to the city's Meatpacking District, winding by Chelsea Market, over traffic and near historic buildings.
Exaggerated Dimension
Plaza Botero
Medellín, Colombia
Colombian sculptor Fernando Botero's work can be seen in all the major cities of the world. The town of his birth pays his work unique tribute with a collection of 23 statues featuring his signature plus-sized proportions across the plaza's 75,347-square-foot area in the city's Old Quarter.
Asia Meets Argentina
Jardin Japones
Buenos Aires, Argentina
One of the largest Japanese-style gardens outside of Asia is found tucked into the trendy Palermo neighborhood in Argentina's capital city. The 4.9-acre park was completed in 1967. It is home to the gardens, a restaurant, open-air theater, Japanese Peace Bell, Buddhist temple, cultural center, gift shop and a greenhouse that is renowned for its collection of bonsai trees.
Historic Beauty
Peak District National Park
Bakewell, United Kingdom
The first of England's national parks, the Peak District is a massive area marked by Dark Peak on one side and White Peak on the other. Between sits a variety of landscapes from moorland to pasture that can be explored by foot, bike, glider, climbing or horseback. It's also home to Chatsworth House, the seat of the Duke of Devonshire, an 81,000-square-foot estate surrounded by gardens that can be visited for a fee.
Art-Filled Escape
Park Güell
Barcelona, Spain
This UNESCO World Heritage site was once home to renowned architect Antoni Gaudí and features elements of his own design. The art-filled 17 acres include complex iconography, animal statues and mosaics all in his instantly recognizable style. A panoramic view of the city, including the Sagrada Família basilica, can be seen from the park.
Treetop Explorer
Kakum National Park
Abrafo, Ghana
This south-central Ghana park is renowned for its tropical forests. Numerous species call the park home, including buffalo, pangolins, dwarf crocodiles, North African crested porcupines and 266 bird species. Visitors come from all around to walk the park's 1,150-foot canopy walkway (one of three in Africa) that connects seven treetops. Guided tours are available.
Earth Meets Sea
Kornati National Park
Adriatic Sea, Croatia
Visiting this park is an exercise in exploring the wild, untouched world. Made up of 89 islands, there's a bevy of secluded beaches to lie on, inlet hideaways to explore and dense forests to see. Below the archipelago's water, coral reefs welcome snorkelers. Some of the islands have settlement remains that go back to the Neolithic Age. A ticket is required.
Vibrant Hues
Jiuzhaigou National Park
Sichuan Province, China
This UNESCO World Heritage Site and a World Biosphere Reserve covers 280 miles of terrain from layered waterfalls to snow-capped peaks. Hike miles of trails to see extraordinary sights including Five Flower Lake, which displays blue, green, orange, yellow and red hues. Locals consider the body of water to be sacred.
New Heights
Mount Faber Park
Singapore
Situated in a secondary rain forest environment, the park allows you to see Singapore and the southern islands from a new perspective. Enjoy panoramic views from a lookout point on the ridge, take a cable car from Mount Faber to Sentosa Island or dine at either of the two restaurants atop Faber Peak.
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